DNR Seeks Comments on Lake and Stream Management Plans in the Grand Marais Area

Every year, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) prepares or revises individual fisheries lake and stream management plans for several waters in each management area and seeks public comment on the plans.

In the Grand Marais area, plans for the following lakes and streams will revised through

March 2009:

• Axe - managed for walleye
• Bingshick (BWCAW) - stocked with brook trout, reviewing stocking strategy
• Caribou (near Clearwater; BWCAW) - reviewing walleye management options
• Carrot - stocked with brook trout, reviewing stocking strategies
• Christine - potential for panfish management
• Kemo - stocked with lake trout, reviewing stocking strategy
• Lima - stocked with brook trout, reviewing stocking strategy
• Logger - many small northern pike
• Marsh - a flowage on the Temperance River
• McDonald - walleye and northern pike fisheries
• Moses - little potential for game fish
• Mush - some potential for trout management
• Road - has been stocked with walleye, unsuccessfully
• Swamp River Reservoir - large numbers of small northern pike
• Trout - stocked with rainbow trout, and a natural lake trout lake.

Management plans describe the past, present, and desired future conditions of the waters. The plans identify specific management activities planned for that lake or stream in the next five to 20 years.

In addition to the lakes listed above, many BWCAW lakes plans are being revised solely to update survey and assessment scheduling. Those lakes are: Banadad, Bat, Blue Snow, Cam, Canoe, Caribou (near Poplar Lake), Carl, Echo, Fern, Gaskin, Honker, Howard, Jake, Jasper, Karl, Kingfisher, Kiskadinna, Little Trout, Middle Cone, Morgan, North Cone, Peter, Ray, Rose, Smoke, Snipe, South Cone, and Zephyr lakes.

The Grand Marais Fisheries office will also review stocking strategies on all stream trout lakes in the area. The intent of this review is to improve management efficiency and lower management costs, while maintaining historic levels of stream trout fishing opportunity and quality. Stocking strategies on several lakes may be modified, and some less effective stocking may be discontinued. Any feedback or suggestions for management of stream trout lakes in the area would be greatly appreciated.

Current plans for lakes in the area, and recent fish population assessment information, are available for review at the DNR Fisheries office at 1356 Hwy 61 E, Grand Marais. People may visit the office, call 218-387-3056, or e-mail steve [dot] persons [at] dnr [dot] state [dot] mn [dot] us to discuss any of these plans with fisheries staff. Grand Marais office hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Public comment on management of BWCAW lakes will be taken through Dec. 15. Comments on all other lakes will be taken through March 1. Suggestions for management of any of the other lakes and streams in the Grand Marais area are welcome at any time, and will be considered when those plans are due for review.

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Michigan Weekly Recreational Fishing Report - 11/20/2008

Great Lakes temperature map

Angler numbers continue to drop around the state as many pursue the open hunting seasons or kick back and wait for the onset of ice fishing season. Walleye and pike continue to feed around the state and the whitefish action improves daily.

 

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie - Shore anglers continue to catch walleye and perch off Stony Point, Metro Park and Pt. Mouillee. Try jigs or perch rigs with minnows.

Huron River - Water levels are up and steelhead are being caught between Rockwood and Flat Rock. Most are using a jig and wax worm above the dam and spawn or crank baits below. The backwaters are still providing some decent crappie and bluegill action.

Detroit River - Shore anglers are catching perch in the cuts and canals and off the docks at Gibraltar and around the southern tip of Grosse Ile. Most are using shiners. Walleye can still be found off the Edison Power Plant and around the islands.

Clinton River - As more steelhead move into the river, one of the better spots to fish is up around Ryan Road. Try spawn, flies or even small spoons.

St. Clair River - Shore anglers fishing off the wall up at Port Huron were taking some steelhead. For whitefish, try a single egg on a small hook during the day or at night try jigging small spoons off the wall.

Lexington - Steelhead and perch are still being caught however the fish are running on the small side.

Saginaw Bay - Both the perch and walleye anglers are heading out when the weather permits. Perch anglers are fishing off Linwood, near the shipping channel and the first Spark Plug.

Saginaw River - Perch anglers using minnows in the lower river have caught some fish. Those willing to sort out the small ones should get enough for a meal.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe - Pier anglers are taking steelhead when using spawn or spoons. Orange and pink have been good colors. Whitefish are also being caught. The best bait is a single egg on a hook.

St. Joe River - Both shore and boat anglers have caught steelhead up near the Berrien Springs Dam. A few walleye are still being caught at night when fishing below the dams.

Kalamazoo River - Steelhead are being caught from the mouth up to the Allegan Dam however the better bite continues to be in the lower river. Those trolling are using plugs and shore anglers are floating spawn.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Boat and shore anglers are taking steelhead when bouncing spawn bags, floating small white jigs tipped with a few wax worms or when using an orange Mepps spinner. Boats trolling planer boards above the Fulton Street Bridge have caught steelhead and walleye on blue and chrome Hot-n-Tots with a red bill. Those handlining off the Fulton Street Bridge are using chartreuse Hot-n-Tots while others are back trolling with spawn. Crappie and other panfish have been caught in the lagoon at Riverside Park and off the East Wall.

Grand River at Lansing - No anglers means no report. No word on steelhead but there should be some walleye over at Moore’s Park. Pike anglers might want to try above or below the dams.

Muskegon - Pier anglers floating spawn are taking steelhead. Whitefish are in the channel and those fishing after dark have done well when jigging spoons off the wall.

Muskegon Lake - Perch are being caught in the deeper holes on both the north and the south ends of the lake. Good walleye action at night.

Muskegon River - Water levels are low so the better steelhead fishing has been in the lower river. Most are using spawn or crank baits.

Northern Lower Peninsula

Alpena - This is the peak for whitefish in Lake Huron. For those who have not put their boats away for the winter, large numbers of whitefish are on the reefs in Thunder Bay, particularly off the end of Partridge Point and on the Grass Island reefs. Most are being caught on wax worms, spawn, or small minnows however the whitefish have now added the round goby to their diets so small lures can also catch fish. Catch rates should only get better through the first week of December. Most fish are in the 3-4 pound range but the occasional 6-8 pound fish has been caught.

Thunder Bay River - Look for steelhead and whitefish below the Ninth Street Dam.

Au Sable River - Look for more steelhead between the mouth and the dams. Anglers report fair to good catch rates just below the Foote Dam when using spawn or wax worms. The mouth is usually one of the hot spots for whitefish. Try a single egg or wax worm.

Tawas - The best spot here for whitefish is off the pier. Try using wax worms, spawn, small minnows or small lures that resemble the goby as they have become part of the diet. Catch rates should be good through the next two weeks or so.

Au Gres River - Those fishing the East Branch have caught steelhead and the occasional brown trout near the Singing Bridge. The better fishing takes place on those windy overcast days.

Higgins Lake - A few boats are trolling for brown trout between the Conference Center and the boat launch on the north side of the lake and along the drop-off on the west side. Try using body baits, rapalas or spoons.

Houghton Lake - A couple anglers are still heading out for walleye in the evening but most have moved on to fishing Saginaw Bay. Shoreline ice has started to form.

Northwest Lower Peninsula

Burt Lake - Not many, but a few anglers are still targeting and catching walleye in the early morning or late evening in waters about 8 feet deep. Perch are also there, but scattered.

Traverse City - Boats will target whitefish in waters 100 to 120 feet deep. Try Swedish Pimples or perch rigs with minnows just off the bottom. Perch anglers are fishing the bottom half of waters 45 to 65 feet deep.

Boardman River - Water levels are low so steelhead anglers are fishing right at the mouth. Most are floating spawn in the early morning or late evening.

Portage Lake - Although not too many people are doing it, trolling for walleye can be very good this time of year as the adult walleyes typically feed aggressively.

Manistee - Pier and surf anglers continue to do well on steelhead.

Manistee Lake - Is another good lake for late fall early winter walleye fishing. Try trolling along the drop-offs or the humps especially after dark.

Manistee River - Decent numbers of steelhead are being caught in the lower river. There are a few fish further upstream but the low clear waters have made it difficult to catch them.

Ludington - Pier and shore anglers are finding fish as they seem to be congregating in the deeper waters. They are floating fresh spawn or wax worms under a bobber.

Pere Marquette River - Steelhead are being caught in the lower stretches of the river where water levels are higher. Spawn has been the best bait.

UPPER PENINSULA

Menominee River - Water levels are low enough that rocks can easily be seen sticking out of the water. A few walleye have been caught up near the Hattie Street Bridge. Rumor has it some whitefish have been caught after dark when using yarn or a single egg. Green and chartreuse have been good colors however it is always a good idea to take along a variety of colors.

Little Bay De Noc - Walleye anglers are still taking fish in the shallows at night. Most are jigging with minnows. A few boats are still out trolling around the Second and Center Reefs. The better perch fishing continues to be off Kipling when trolling or drifting minnows in waters 10 to 15 feet deep.

Marquette - Those fishing off the breakwall in the Lower Harbor are still taking whitefish and the occasional lake trout. The ore docks in the Upper Harbor also provide good open water fishing before the ice starts to move in.

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Arkansas Weekly Fishing Report - 11/19/2008

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Randy Zellers (501) 223-6406, e-mail: rdzellers [at] agfc [dot] state [dot] ar [dot] us

To subscribe or unsubscribe to this report, visit http://www.agfc.com/enews/default.aspx 

This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for Nov. 19, 2008. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report, please call or e-mail us with information on possible sources for that lake or river.
Fishing Tip: When fishing in thick grass, use braided line (such as Spiderwire or Berkley Fireline) instead of monofilament. Braid cuts through the vegetation during the fight and is more sensitive. But be careful with braid and keep your fingers clear of the line when you set the hook and fight the fish; it can cuts your skin, too.

Arkansas River Levels are available at

http://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/WCDS/Reports/Daily/Pao_rvrs.txt

White River Levels are available at

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/status_white.shtml
Statewide Family and Community Fishing Program Report:  The last catfish stockings for the year are complete and all program ponds are producing eating-size catfish. Catfishing is beginning to slow with the cold weather, but the trout stockings are right around the corner. For more information on stockings, call toll free 1-866-540-FISH (3474).

 

CENTRAL ARKANSAS:
Lake Conway: Bates Field and Stream (501-470-1846) said the water is at normal level. Bream are fair on crickets and wax worms. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair. Catfishing is fair on yo-yos baited with minnows.

Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said crappie are biting well on pink minnows fished in Caney Creek and Gold Creek. 

Dan at Gold Creek Marina said bream are fairly slow, but a few are biting in 3-4 feet of water on wax worms. Crappie are biting well on shiners and pink minnows fished 1-2 feet deep in pad beds and 5 feet deep over brush. Chartreuse and black/chartreuse jigs tipped with small minnows are also working on the crappie. Bass fishing is slow on chartreuse crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Catfishing is fair on limb lines baited with nightcrawlers and shiners.

Little Red River: Lindsey’s Resort (501-302-3139) said the water is dingy with some generation in the late afternoon. Trout fishing is good on wax worms, corn and Power Eggs. Fly fishing is picking up as well.

Jed Hollan at the Little Red Fly Shop said water releases at Greers Ferry are few and far between. Power generation last occurred at the facility on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 16. The quantity of water released was equivalent to 1/3 of one generator’s capacity and lasted five hours. The female brown trout have moved onto the shoals in large numbers.   Redds have been spotted at Mossy Shoal, Cow Shoal and Winkley Shoal. Male brown trout can be seen throughout the length of Cow Shoal and three large browns have been caught there. Please remember, if you come to the Little Red to fish the brown trout spawn, there are a few simple rules that should be followed. First, do not walk in the redds. A redd is an area of the streambed that has been cleared of rocks, moss, sticks, etc. by the female brown trout. This is her nest and should not be disturbed. Try to cooperate with other anglers on the shoals by staying at least one long cast away from them.  Smash the barbs on your flies to make releasing the fish easier. There have been no major changes in the aquatic insect hatches since my last report.  Midges remain the dominant species buzzing over the Little Red with BWOs and caddis flies in the mix. Dry flies are working well and the best ones to use include midge (#22; cream or black), blue-winged olive mayflies (baetis #18-#24), parachute Adams (#18) and elk hair caddis (#16-#18; tan).  Fishing below the surface? Try a sowbug (#14-#16; UV tan, UV lt. gray, peacock or olive), red butt soft hackle emerger (#14-#18), zebra midge (#16-#22; red or black), pheasant tail (#16), copper john (#14-#16; red. green or copper), gold ribbed hare’s ear (#14-#16), egg patterns (#12-#16; peach, pink, cerise or salmon) and woolly bugger (#8-#12; olive, brown or black). 

Greers Ferry: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 460.24 feet MSL.

Tommy Cauley of Fish Finder Guide Service said most of the largemouths, Kentucky bass and smallmouths are holding in front of the bushes and are biting well on tubes, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, Carolina-rigged lizards and grubs, and whacky-rigged Senkos. Some are out deeper and can be caught on football head jigs, spoons and Carolina-rigged lizards in 20-25 feet. Crappie are still biting in brush piles and pole timber, and in creek bends in 15-20 feet of water on grubs and minnows. Walleye are scattered in 27 feet and biting crawlers. Some are also underneath hybrids and white bass in 45 to 50 feet of water and are biting on spoons. No report on bream. Catfish are biting all over the lake on jugs baited with live and prepared bait. The whites and hybrids are going good in 32-45 feet of water if you have some wind. Spoons and small in-line spinners are working the best. 

Shiloh Marina (501-825-6237) said the water is clear and in the low 60s. Bass and hybrids are schooling early and late in the day.

Harris Brake Lake: Coffee Creek Landing (501-889-2745) said the water is cloudy and at normal level. Bream, bass and catfish all are slow. Crappie are biting well on minnows and jigs fished around brush.

Lake Overcup: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said the water is clear and at normal level. Bream are fair. Crappie are fair on crickets fished around the docks. Bass are fair. Catfishing is fair on nightcrawlers and bream.

Lakeview Landing (501-354-1470) said the water is fairly clear. Bream are fair on worms. Crappie are biting well on minnows and Crappie Stingers fished around piers. Bass are fair on soft-plastic worms. Catfishing is fair on trotlines at night.

Brewer Lake: Overcup Landing (501-354-9007) said catfishing is fair. Crappie are biting well on minnows. Bass are fair at best.

Lake Maumelle: Jolly Roger’s Marina said Lake Maumelle is going to winter patterns. Largemouth bass are fair off the points. Bass jigs and CC spoons fished 15 feet deep are working. The Kentucky bass are mixed in with the largemouths. White bass are fair. They have moved to the humps on the west end of the lake and are being caught on CC Spoons and Sassy Shads. Crappie are fair around 20 feet deep and are hitting minnows and 1/32-oz. red/white and chartreuse jigs. Catfishing is slow, but a few have been caught along the main channel on prepared bait and large minnows.

JB’s Guide Service said it was windy over the weekend, but there was still some good action. Bass are biting on crankbaits. Crappie are chasing twister tails. Catfish were biting as well. We also caught some of the last few days of the fall color display along with some stunning sunsets.

Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said crappie are fair on live minnows fished deep.

Lake Valencia in Maumelle: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said channel catfish are fair on stinkbait and nightcrawlers.

Lake Pickthorne: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said crappie are fair on pink minnows around brush in 2 feet of water.

Burns Park: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said catfish are fair on cut bait and nightcrawlers.

Fourche La Fave River: Crappie are fair on medium-sized minnows fished under a cork or red/chartreuse jigs.

Arkansas River in Little Rock: Vince Miller from Fish ‘N Stuff said bass fishing is fair on chartreuse/black and black/blue jigs as well as black tubes fished around rock jetties.

Sunset Lake: Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is at normal level. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie are slow. Bass are fair. Catfish are slow.

Saline River Access in Benton: Turbyfill’s Outdoor Sports (501-315-3061) said the water is clear and at normal level. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are slow. Bass are biting well on Rebel crawdad crankbaits. Catfishing is slow. Some walleye have been caught on minnow-imitating crankbaits.

Arkansas River at Morrilton: Charley’s Hidden Harbor in Oppelo said catfishing below dams 9 and 10 is excellent on whole shad. Channel cats up to 15 pounds are being caught regularly. Stripers are holding on jetty tips late in the afternoons and can be caught on live bream and shad fished 10 to 20 feet deep. Most stripers being caught are 8 to 12 pounds. Kentucky bass are biting well on top of jetties on black/blue jigs. Sauger are beginning to bite on chartreuse and red Speck rigs (tandem floating bucktail jigs) in eddies downstream from points where there is some current.

Little Maumelle River: No report.

Murray Lock and Dam: Hatchet Jack’s Sport Shop said crappie are biting fairly well on red/chartreuse, black/chartreuse and white/chartreuse jigs. Bass are fair on twister tails and bucktailed jigs. Catfishing is good on cut shad and small bream.

Terry Lock and Dam: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is clear and running at normal level.

Clear Lake: McSwain Sports Center (501-945-2471) said the water is clear and at normal level. Bream are fair. Crappie are fair on pink minnows fished around log jams in 6 feet of water. Bass are fair.

Peckerwood Lake: Herman’s Landing said the lake is closed to fishing until Feb. 1.
           

NORTH ARKANSAS:
White River: Sportsman’s White River Resort said no anglers have visited the shop in a week. The oxygen levels are up on the river and stocking should resume.

Mountain River Fly Shop said oxygen levels topped 6.0 for the first time in several weeks and fishing is improving. The cooler weather will help as well. Some guides said the brown were much more aggressive, chasing down streamers. White Zonkers, Circus Peanuts and Conrad Sculpins are working well if you fancy throwing something big. Tungsten Slumpbusters and Bunny Leeches are also working well. Drifting the standard egg-and-worm rig remains hot where legal. Hot Pink San Juans or Dynamite worms probably head the list, Clint’s Sunday specials and Davy’s Sowbugs are also doing well.

John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said the catch-and-release section below Bull Shoals Dam is closed until Feb. 1. The section from the bottom of the catch-and-release area downstream to the wing wall at the state park is seasonal catch-and-release until Feb. 1. Fishing on the White River has been a bit better. Dissolved oxygen levels in the upper river have improved and the colder weather has eased the water temperatures. The section from the Narrows to Wildcat Shoals is still fishing well. The most productive method has been to fish brightly colored San Juan worms below indicators with a lot of lead. For a change of pace, try fishing a dropper like an orange egg, sow bug or zebra midge below the San Juan worm. Banging the bank with large streamers on a sink tip or full sinking line is still the most effective method to move big fish. Hot patterns have been white zonkers, kiwi muddlers and Mengle’s Ozark sculpin. The catch-and-release section at Rim Shoals has at times fished a bit better than the upper river. The fishing has been spotty. The better fishing has been in the morning. The hot flies for this area have been hot pink San Juan worms and brightly colored egg patterns.

Bull Shoals Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 661.53 feet MSL.

Lake Norfork: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 559.53 feet MSL.

101 Grocery and Bait said the water temperature is in the 50-degree range. Crappie fishing is good using minnows on a small jig or just a plain hook and a small split-shot. Bluegill fishing is good using worms and crickets. Striper fishing has been slow. White bass fishing is fair. Bass fishing is good using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, stick baits and live shiners and worms. Catfishing is slow. Walleye fishing is fair, some are being caught at night using stick baits along the points and shallow banks.

 Cranfield Junction Bait and Tackle (870-492-5141) had no report.

Norfork Tailwater: John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said the Norfork has fished much better during the last week. It is suffering through even lower dissolved oxygen levels than the White. The upper river is fishing particularly poorly. The lower sections (from the long hole down) have fished well. Hot flies have been hot pink San Juan worms and orange eggs. Concentrate on fast riffles where the dissolved oxygen may be a bit higher. Dry Run Creek (youth only area) is absolutely red hot. The creek is choked with large fish that have moved into it to take advantage of the higher dissolved oxygen levels and cleaner water. With the cooler temperatures, there has been very little pressure on it. Now is the best time of year to visit. The hot flies are worm brown San Juan worms, egg patterns (peach is the go-to color) and sow bugs.

Mountain River Fly Shop said Low water is back on Norfork and its time to dig out your low-water fly boxes, your 6x tippet and your waders. Midges (#16-#20) will be very good. Camel midges, olive zebras, black/silver and black/copper zebras, ruby midges and Davy’s Super Midges all do very well. Don’t forget your sowbug and scud imitations. We will also expect soft hackles to be very good. Tailwater soft hackles in green/yellow and copper/brown were killers the last time we had low water. For dry fly and emerger addicts can we suggest the Parachute Adams, Morgan’s Para Midge, Sprout’s or Clint’s Midge Emerger.

Spring River: Spring River Fly Shop  said cold weather can mean big fish on the Spring River. The water is still clear and low, despite the rain from last week. Leaves are beginning to clear out and have not been a problem in the last couple of days for fishing. Fishing pressure has been low. We’ve had great success with Super Buggers and Turk’s Tarantulas.
 

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Beaver Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 1,125.97 feet MSL.

JT’s Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said bass have been hitting a variety of lures all over the lake. Try spinnerbaits and buzzbaits fished along and through flooded timber early in the day. Later, try a hula grub fished along and in docks. Crappie fishing is decent. Try working a chartreuse Shinee Hinee or a chartreuse curly tail grub over brush piles 15 to 25 feet deep. Most fish have been suspended 5 to 10 feet deep. White bass are few and far between, but a few small fish can be caught off main-lake points and on the edge of main-lake flats. Jigging spoons have been effective. Bluegill fishing has been excellent. Try crickets or worms along and in docks 5-10 feet deep. Catfish have been biting well from the bank in the evening on worms and liver.

Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said the water is high. Crappie are biting fairly well on live minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on CC spoons. Catfishing is slow, but a few have been caught on crickets. Overall, the fishing has been slow.

Lake Fayetteville: Lake Fayetteville Boat Dock (479-444-3476) had no report.  

Lake Sequoyah: Lake Sequoyah Boat Dock (479-444-3475) said the water is clear and at normal pool. Bream are fair on crickets and worms fished around weed beds and treetops in 3 to 4 feet of water. Crappie are fair on minnows and Roadrunner jigs fished around stumps in 8 feet of water. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits, soft-plastic worms and jigs fished around rocks and brush in 8 feet of water. Catfishing is fair on cut bream, shad and chicken liver in 8 to 20 feet of water.

Sugarloaf Lake: Midland Minimart (479-639-9467) had no report. 

 

NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA: Judy Potts of Judy’s Bait Shoppe at the North entrance to Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA reports all fishing is very sluggish in the Henry Gray Hurricane Lake WMA because of water levels changing so much.

Lake Charles: Lake Charles State Park (870-878-6595) said that the water level is down about 6 feet and the floodgates are open. The boat ramp inside the park has been closed, but you can still access the ramps for Highway 25. The temperature ranges from 55 to 58 degrees and the water level is around 6 inches. All species are slow.

Crown Lake: Boxhound Marina (870-670-4496) said the water is very clear and at normal level. Fishing is fair for all species. Not many anglers are on the water.

Lake Frierson: Lake Frierson State Park said the water is murky. Bream are fair on nightcrawlers along the banks. Crappie are biting well on crappie jigs near the drawdown tower at the dam. Catfishing is fair on chicken livers.

 

SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS
Lake Monticello: Fishing guide Greg Gulledge (870-723-3928) with Basshunters Custom Crankbaits said fishing on Lake Monticello has picked up from last week. There have been several nice bass caught in the last few days. Flipping Fishboy Crawtubes in 4 to 6 feet of water has worked best. Some fish are still schooling and are biting fairly well on Baby Basshunters and Kill Gills.

Lake Chicot: Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said water conditions are normal. Bream are good on crickets. Crappie are biting well on worms. Bass are biting well on small crankbaits and spinnerbaits.

Grand Lake: Koenig Bass Tracker Marine (870-265-5374) said water conditions are normal. Bream are good on crickets. Crappie are biting well on worms. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits.

 

SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS
Millwood Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 259.33 feet MSL.

Millwood Lake Guide Service said water clarity improved to 3 to 5 inches of visibility in the lake away from the current. The main lake and Little River’s water surface temperatures range from 55 63 degrees, depending on location and time of day. Current in Little River is 3,152 CFS. All Corps of Engineers boat ramps and campgrounds are open. Millwood State Park has one operational boat ramp and one still under repair. Cool morning temperatures are delaying the most aggressive feeding activity until later in the day. The bass continue to feed well, with sub-surface schooling activities being seen around the lake. Chunky bass from 2 to 6 pounds continue to bite excellently on Rat-L-Traps at random periods throughout the day. Johnson silver spoons with white grub trailers, War Eagle spinnerbaits and Bass Assassin shad jerk baits are the go-to baits when the schooling bass move into the vegetation and remaining lily pads. Bass were still very aggressive in Horseshoe and McGuire oxbow lakes upriver this week, chasing shad deep in the lily pads. Swimming white jigs w/ white chunk trailers along the edges and pockets of hydrilla or other open holes in remaining vegetation are still working but best bet is a Bass Assassin Shad in white or clear/silver flake or a white or Smoky Joe Rat-L-Trap. Dead-sticking Bass Assassin twitch worms are also working around stumps and vegetation. Jigs are producing some big bass, but the bite is still slow. Large worms are producing fair numbers of fish when the fish aren’t actively feeding. Edges of lily pads near deep drops in the clearer water, several feet away from the base of cypress trees (hint* cypress knees), and stumps in vegetation or on drop offs to deeper water, remain best locations this week for a better worm bite. White bass were roaming this week; however, several schools have been biting well on spoons, Rocket Shads, Rat-L-Traps, and grubs along Little River between Highway 71 Bridge and the mouth of the Cossatot River. The crappie bite continues improving with the water clarity. The best bite has been on live shiners and jigs fished over brush in 10 to 15 feet of water. Blue and channel catfish remain excellent on trotlines or yo-yos baited with cut shad, blood bait and chicken livers near heavy current in Little River.

Cossatot River: Davy Ashcraft at Cossatot River State Park (870-385-2201) had no report.

Lake Columbia: Steve’s Marine (870-234-2222) said crappie are biting well on minnows and jigs. Bass are fair on soft-plastic worms and crankbaits. Catfishing is fair on stink bait and worms. 

Lake Erling: Steve’s Marine (870-234-2222) said the water is low and the lake is being drawn down. Crappie are biting well. Bass are fair. Catfishing is good on worms and stinkbait.

White Oak Lake: White Oak Lake State Park had no report.

Lake Greeson: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation was not available.

Darryl Morris of Family Fishing Trips Guide Service said the lake level is 537.69 msl and falling. Water temperature is in the upper 50s. Water clarity is good to excellent.  Crappie are scattered and can be caught shallow and deep on brush piles and bamboo condos. Anywhere from 14 to 32 feet deep can produce some crappie right now. Stripers are surface feeding some mornings. They are also being caught on live bait fished near the bottom in 30 feet of water around points.

Lakeside Grocery (870-398-5304) said the water is murky and the surface temperature is 60 degrees. Bream and catfish are slow. Crappie are biting well on minnows fished in brush piles from 8 to 15 feet deep. Bass are excellent on topwaters, crankbaits and soft-plastic worms around 2 to 10 feet deep. Some walleye have been caught on crankbaits fished around rocky points and banks. 

DeGray Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 407.32 feet MSL.

DeGray Lake Resort had no report.

Charles at Iron Mountain Lodge and Marina said the water temperature is 66 degrees and dropping. Largemouth bass are biting well on 11-inch worms in Redbug, Cherryseed, Tequila Green and Bloodline colors. Some bass are still schooling early and late. Kentucky bass are biting well on live crayfish fished along drop-offs and points around DeRoche and Caddo Bend in 20 to 26 feet of water. Hybrids are biting well on live shad. They are still schooling in the early mornings and are biting well on top waters and 3¼-oz CC Spoons around the dam and Caddo Bend in 24 to 28 feet of water. Crappie are excellent on Tennessee shad grubs and live minnows. Around moss flats and points in 18 to 20 feet of water and on brush piles in 20 to 25 feet of water. Catfish are biting well on jugs and trotlines baited with minnows and cut shad. Bream are biting well on worms and crickets in 6 to 12 feet of water.
 

WEST-CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Lake Dardanelle: Eric Pratt at Lake Dardanelle State Park said the lake is getting close to normal with 12-15 inches of visibility in the main body of the lake. The water temperature is 56 degrees. The Corps of Engineers is reporting a forecasted release on Lake Dardanelle to be around 26,000 CFS. Bass fishing is fair. Most sportsmen out in the woods rather than on the water, so angler reports are down to about zero. Bass caught are hanging around ledges, drop offs and cover, such as submerged trees and wing jetties, waiting to ambush schools of shad. Black and blue, chartreuse or watermelon seed jigs and spinnerbaits have done the best fished in about 10 feet of water. Crappie are biting well at this time with anglers reporting success in Big Piney and around Illinois Bayou. Anglers are using small crappie jigs, tube jigs and Gitzits along creek channels, drop offs and brush piles in about 10-20 feet of water. Bream fishing is slow with crickets and worms. Catfishing is fair with anglers catching catfish in 20-25 feet of water off the edges of the main river channel.

Murphy’s Sporting Goods (479-229-3200) had no report.

Spadra Marina reports daily limits of crappie and catfish are pretty regular right now. Crappie are biting best on pink/white Panfish Assassins and blue/pearl jigs. Bass minnows are finding bigger crappie, averaging at least 1½ pounds. Most of the crappie are 18 inches to 4 feet deep. Catfish are biting best on cut shad. Good honey holes are producing limits in less than two hours. We have seen bigger bass lately than we have seen in a couple of months.  Customers are reporting two to three keepers a trip. 

Ozark Pool: Lakeside Food Mart (479-667-5155) said the water is clear and at normal level. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Bass are slow, but a few have been caught on minnows and crappie jigs. Catfishing is fair. 

Lake Ouachita: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake’s elevation at 577.15 feet MSL.

Mountain Harbor Resort said the water temperature is 66 to 70 degrees and the water is clear. Largemouth bass are still good and can be caught on spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits. Spoons are effective, fished vertically near humps and main-lake points around 20 to 25 feet deep. Walleye are still fair and being caught on spoons over brush piles on main lake points. Stripers are still good on live bait with shad or trotline minnows. White ½-oz. jigs and ¾-oz spoons are still working as well. These fish are breaking early and late and can be caught with C-10 Redfins and Zara Spooks. Bream are fair with crickets or worms in 18 to 25 feet of water. Crappie are very good and being caught over brush and moss beds. Try brush in water 20 to 30 feet deep. Minnows or crappie grubs are still working best. Tennessee shad and white are still the best colors for artificial baits. Catfish are still fair and being caught on cut bait and live bait on jug lines and trotlines.

Larry Hurley from Poorman’s Guide Service said stripers are starting to break early in the creeks and are hitting shad-imitating baits. The bass are still biting well in the dense grass. Some large bass have been caught lately.

Dave Lindhag at Striped Bass Adventures said fishing is tough. The fish have moved up into the creeks and rivers. There are a lot of scattered fish right now. Smaller shad are working, but the occasional topwater is working around points near 25-50 feet of water. Freelined or weighted shad are producing the best, but it’s not stellar. Most fish are 10 to 12 pounds. The schools are holding around 30 feet deep but will come up to 10 to feed.

Lake Hamilton: Larry Hurley from Poorman’s Guide Service said bass fishing is very good on shad- and crawfish-colored crankbaits fished along the shallows near areas that have been exposed from the drawdown. A jig or Carolina-rigged green centipede will catch some fish around any brush that’s exposed. This is one of the best times of year for Hamilton and hardly anyone will be on the water with you.

Lake Catherine: Shane Goodner, owner of Catch’em All Guide Service, said that the winter drawdown is underway and will be complete Nov. 23. The lake is falling about 5 inches per day with a 3-foot overall drop planned. Lake Catherine will remain 3 feet below normal pool until next March when the refilling schedule begins for our area lakes. Rainbow trout are to be stocked in the tailrace during the next two weeks with 3,000 trout delivered in November. Trout stocking will continue until April. White bass and hybrid bass activity has remained good below the dam as the threadfin shad population holds steady in the tailrace. Topwater action in shallow areas has provided some exciting action with anglers casting into the feeding schools. Zara Puppies and Zara Spooks in clear and silver are the best choices; however, many bass have been taken with jigs and spoons. Walleye fishing has been productive as these fish are actively feeding on shad. Most of the action has taken place in the deep water closest to the dam with jigging spoons or heavy jigs. Fishermen need to pay close attention to generation schedules as moving water is essential to regular fish feeding cycles. Boaters are also urged to use caution when navigating the area as falling lake levels will expose many underwater hazards.

Diamondhead Marina said the water is clear and cold. Bass fishing is excellent on crankbaits and spinnerbaits fished along the shore. Walleye are fair on crankbaits trolled in 12 to 14 feet of water.

Lake Hinkle: Bill’s Bait Shop (479-637-4719) said water conditions are normal. Bream are fair on crickets. Crappie are biting well on minnows. Bass are fair on large bass minnows. Catfishing is fair on trotlines baited with live bait.

Lake Atkins: Lucky Landing (479-641-7615) said bream are biting well on worms and crickets. Crappie are moving to coves and are biting well on minnows and jigs. Bass are slowing down, but are biting well on soft-plastic worms and buzzbaits. Catfishing is good on cut bait and live shad.

 

SOUTH-CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Moro Bay: Moro Bay State Park at the conjunction of the Ouachita River, Raymond Lake and Moro Bay said recent rains have brought the river up a couple feet above its normal level. Crappie were biting well, but cooler temperatures and rain have thinned out the anglers. However, it safe to assume that since the water has cleared up and remained mostly steady in the last 24 hours, crappie will be biting again. Submerged trees in the lake and bay are the best places this time of year. White and chartreuse jigs work well. Shiners are also good but are hard to find, area so buy them before you come.  A few bream have been caught on worms buy those seeking crappie. Nothing has been said recently of bass or catfish.  Don’t forget to dress warm and wear some orange.

Lower Ouachita River: No report.

Tri-County Lake: No report.

 

EAST ARKANSAS: 
Arkansas River (Pine Bluff): The Tackle Box (870) 534-1948 said the water is murky and at normal level. Bream are biting well on crickets and worms. Crappie are biting well on jig-and-minnow combinations. Bass are biting well on spinnerbaits and jigs. Catfishing is good on cut bait and nightcrawlers.

White River: Triangle Sports (870-793-7122) said the river is high and no one is fishing. No report.

Maddox Bay: Maddox Bay Landing (870-462-8317) said the water is at normal level. Bream are biting well on minnows and jigs. Crappie are biting well on jigs tipped with a minnow. Bass are fair. 

Bear Creek Lake: Arkansas Outdoors (870-295-4240) said the water is clear and at normal level. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers. 

Horseshoe Lake: Local angler Clyde Gregory said the water is clear and at normal level. Bream are biting well on wax worms around piers. Crappie are biting well on minnows and nightcrawlers around piers. Bass are slow. Catfishing is good on stinkbait and nightcrawlers.

I-40 Chute: Daily’s Boat Dock said the water clarity is good and the water is at normal levels. Crappie are biting well on black jigs. Bass are fair on jigs. Catfishing is good.

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Michigan Weekly Recreational Fishing Report - 11/13/2008

Great Lakes temperature map

Many anglers have now turned their attention to hunting so the reports will start to drop off until ice starts to form. Late fall and early winter is prime time for hungry walleye and spawning whitefish. Cold rain will bring on the better steelhead and brown trout fishing.

Southeast Lower Peninsula

Lake Erie - Shore anglers are taking walleye and perch off the seawall at the field office at Pt. Mouillee. Perch are also being caught off the Metro Park boat launch.

Huron River - Some steelhead are showing up and those fishing up near Flat Rock have caught fish. Look for the steelhead action to pick up if we get some much needed rain and as we move further into the month of November. Anglers are using spawn, Hot-n-Tots, Mepps spinners, Cleo’s or a jig and wax worm.

Detroit River - Perch fishing has been good off Gibraltar when fishing the canals. Anglers are using shiners with perch rigs in 4 to 8 feet of water. Work the weed beds. Walleye action was good for those handlining at night from the Edison Power Plant down the Horse Island. Chartreuse has been a hot color. Walleye were also caught during the day when using a jig and a minnow down around Celeron Island.

Clinton River - Steelhead are in the river but not in big numbers yet.

St. Clair River - Shore anglers up near Port Huron are catching some steelhead and the occasional whitefish. Walleye fishing in the same area has dropped.

Lexington - Has lots of small perch being caught in the harbor. Those willing to sort will find some decent sizes. A few small steelhead are being caught on crawlers and the occasional chinook salmon was also been caught. These must be younger fish as this year’s salmon run has been done for sometime.

Port Sanilac - Has the same mix of fish as Lexington, but not much fishing pressure. Anglers here have also caught a few brown trout.

Kawkawlin River - Had lots of angler activity, more than likely for perch.

Saginaw River - Perch anglers may want to start trying the lower river and the marina basins from now until freeze-up, as this can be the best time to fish for perch.

Quanicassee River - For perch, hit the lower river here and the around the marinas while fishing with minnows.

Sebewaing River - Look for fair to good perch fishing in the lower river.

Southwest Lower Peninsula

St. Joe - Pier anglers have caught steelhead. A few whitefish have also been caught just off the bottom when using a single egg on a hook.

St. Joe River - A few more steelhead have started to show up in the lower river. Fair to good walleye action continues below the dam at Niles and Buchanan.

South Haven - Steelhead are there for the taking. Most are now pier fishing or surfcasting.

Saugatuck - Pier anglers have managed to catch the occasional steelhead.

Kalamazoo River - Steelhead are being caught from the mouth up to the Allegan Dam however the better bite seems to be down near the mouth.

Grand River at Grand Rapids - Limits of steelhead have been caught in the center run and at the dam. Those throwing plugs off the bridges have also caught fish. The walleye action has slowed however those using bucktail jigs or drifting crawler harnesses with small blades have managed to catch a couple fish. Crappie can be found in the lagoon at Riverside Park when fishing around the brush piles.

Grand River at Lansing - Still no word on steelhead making it up this far. Try the waters over at Moore’s Park for walleye.